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Cole Statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019

July 25, 2019

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3877, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019. The agreement was negotiated by President Donald Trump and leaders on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers of Congress. The bipartisan and bicameral compromise sets budgetary levels for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, suspends the debt ceiling until July 31, 2021 and prevents sequestration cuts from taking effect in October. Cole supported the legislation.

"While no one will claim this legislation is perfect, we should all be proud of the compromise achieved as a result of good faith negotiation between the president and congressional leaders across party lines. And I am encouraged that several bipartisan wins were achieved for the American people," said Cole.

"First, the agreement avoids the horrific consequences of defaulting on our national debt, which would lead to extreme economic chaos. Second, in setting new budgetary levels, this compromise avoids the automatic and devastating sequestration cuts set to take place in October. Third, this bill gives Congress the ability to proceed with confidence and clarity in the appropriations process for the coming fiscal year. Finally, it allows us to resume the process of rebuilding our military after years of underfunding left it with a severe readiness crisis.

"To be clear, both sides had to give up some things to reach this point. But that is what makes a compromise, and that is what enables us to get things done, especially in this era of divided government."